Colonel Robert (Bob) Stuart Coulter, USMC (Ret) passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO on July 16, 2021, with his loving wife by his side.

Bob lived as a servant of Jesus Christ dedicated to his family, the Body of Christ and his nation. He was an overcomer, battling the challenges of Parkinson’s disease for more than two decades. He did not complain and inspired all who knew him with his strong resiliency. He embraced Jesus’ gift of abundant life – choosing to fully be who God designed him to be.

Bob possessed an amazing mix of incredible intellect and talents, and he demonstrated them throughout his life.  He was the rock of his family and extended family – always attuned to everyone’s needs and available to provide timely and astute mentoring, guidance, and wisdom for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was born July 8, 1938, to Robert and Willa (Webb) Coulter in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Paseo High School in Kansas City, MO, where he played football and met his future wife. He went on to graduate from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA.

Bob was commissioned as an officer of United States Marines in June of 1960.  He was a career combat tested Marine officer serving in Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam conflict and as a combat deterrent during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He served in a variety of command and supporting billets throughout his 24 years on active duty, to include being a military advisor in Taiwan and as the Defense Attaché at the United States Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. His last tour on active duty was as the Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of the Navy ROTC Unit at the University of Michigan.  After retiring from the Marine Corps, he served as a Marine Corps Junior ROTC instructor, in Washington and South Carolina, positively mentoring and influencing young American high school students.

In 1984, Bob and Linda returned to the Pacific Northwest and made their home in Port Angeles, WA.  After ten years of enjoying the beauty of the area, hosting family and friends, and sharing their “Coulter Camp” with the grandchildren, they moved back ‘home’ to Missouri to be close to their aging parents.  They found a great place to live on the Niangua River in Buffalo, MO where their home once again became a wonderful place for their children and grandchildren to gather. One of the highlights of this season of life was to make field trips with all six grandchildren to national parks and scenic regions in the United States.  Memories abound of bible devotions, beautiful vistas, picnic lunches, field trip t-shirts, and much laughter as Grandpa entertained everyone with jokes and made-up songs.

For over 20 years, Bob served as a member of The Gideons International in both the Dallas County and Springfield South Camps. He formed deep friendships with his Gideon brothers and was honored to hold the state Faith Fund Coordinator position and to be an active camp member. Bob welcomed many other opportunities to serve, including loving on the children in the nursery (Bob the Builder), supporting church functions, teaching classes and sharing with those in need by volunteering in the Food Pantry.  He loved people and experiencing life with them.

Bob leaves a legacy of service, commitment, laughter, and a deep desire to bring glory to Jesus Christ! He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 63 years, Linda (Barnard) Coulter, his three daughters and their husbands, Cathy and Mike Rudolph of Carlisle, PA, Carrie and Steven Perry of Ozark, MO, and Christy and Dave Riel, of Dayton, OH, and his brother, Barry Coulter.  Bob was the proud patriarch of an extended family of six grandchildren, Bryan Rudolph, Christopher Rudolph (wife Lauren), Lori Dyer, Captain Robert S. Dyer USMC (wife Mikel), Jessi Riel, and Rachel Riel Kiser, and five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Everett, Clara and Ellie Dyer, and Jonah Kiser.

We agree with heaven – devoted husband, beloved dad and grandpa – WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! We cherish every memory, hold them close to our hearts and look forward to spending eternity with you.  Celebrate, dance and SING – we’ll join you soon enough.

It would be a great honor for Bob to be remembered through bible contributions. Donations may be made to The Gideons International, Springfield South Camp P.O. Box 4221, Springfield, MO 65808

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at the Greenlawn East Funeral Home, Springfield, MO, with the Celebration of Life Service immediately following at 11:00 am. Burial with full military honors, at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, will begin at 1:00 pm.

Rest in peace, faithful warrior, Colonel of Marines, and faithful servant to your family.  You will be sorely missed, but never ever forgotten.

To God Be The Glory.  Semper Fidelis.